Issues
Breach of comity; Senate's power to suspend a member.
Chronology
Altercation on floor: Feb. 22, 1902
Referred to committee: Feb. 22, 1902
Committee report: Feb. 28, 1902
Senate resolution and vote: Feb. 28, 1902
Result: Censured
Background
In 1896 South Carolina junior senator John L. McLaurin (Democrat) entered the Senate, joining his long-time close friend Benjamin R. Tillman (Democrat), who as governor and political boss of the state had helped to foster his career. Despite their political connection of many years, McLaurin, a man of somewhat erratic temperament, turned away from his old mentor and permitted himself to be courted by Senate Republicans.
